The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to launch its annual oral rabies vaccine (ORV) program in northwest Georgia, beginning April 7th, in an effort to control the spread of rabies among wildlife. This year’s effort, delayed from its usual October timeframe due to Hurricane Helene’s impact, will see over 500,000 RABORAL V-RG® ORV baits distributed across a 2,700 square mile area.

Read more

A Chattooga County woman is facing charges after a student at Armuchee Primary School in Floyd County was found to have a THC vape pen in their backpack. According to Floyd County officials, 46-year-old Amy Sue Bailey of Summerville was arrested following an investigation into the incident. Reports indicate that Bailey allegedly left the THC vape pen in the bookbag of her minor child, who attends the primary school. Authorities state that Bailey’s actions showed a disregard for the safety of the victim and those around them. Bailey has been charged with reckless conduct and was booked into the Floyd County Jail.

Chattooga County is facing ongoing economic difficulties, remaining low on the Georgia Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) 2025 county rankings. This annual assessment reviews each county’s economic health and affects their eligibility for important tax incentives meant to boost industrial growth in struggling areas. For more than ten years, Chattooga County has been in the lowest tier, with high unemployment, low per capita income, and high poverty rates. Although there was a slight ranking improvement three years ago, the new data shows no change in 2024 or 2025, placing Chattooga in 17th out of 159 counties. A rank of 1 is the most economically distressed, while 159 is the most prosperous. The DCA rankings are critical for distributing tax breaks to attract businesses. Neighboring counties ranked better in 2025, highlighting the need for targeted economic strategies in Chattooga. The county aims to use its Tier 1 status to attract businesses, create jobs, and improve residents’ economic conditions. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) annually ranks all 159 Georgia counties using this data to determine job tax credit tiers and identify less developed census tracts and military zones, which have incentives to encourage development.  There are currently 71 counties in the state with a Tier 1 ranking. 

Georgia drivers are feeling a slight pinch at the pump this week as gas prices have risen compared to the previous week. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Georgia is currently $2.94 (subject to change overnight), a 5-cent increase from last week. While the current state average is still 5 cents lower than a month ago and a significant 41 cents lower than this time last year, the upward trend may be concerning to some.

Read more

Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, March 24, 2025:

Read more

Northwest Georgia residents can expect a return to sunny skies and slightly cooler temperatures today after overnight rain and thunderstorms swept through the region. The high for today is forecast to be 69 degrees, after temperatures near 80 on Sunday. Looking ahead, the remainder of the week, through Saturday, promises pleasant weather with highs in the 70s and overnight lows dipping into the 40s and 50s under mostly clear conditions. However, despite the pleasant weather, officials are urging caution due to high fire danger conditions expected throughout the week. A drier air mass moving in behind a front will cause relative humidity to plummet to 20-30% from Tuesday to Thursday. Fire danger statements are likely to be issued from Wednesday through Friday, highlighting the increased risk of wildfires. Residents are strongly advised to avoid outdoor burning and to take extra precautions to prevent any accidental ignitions. While the long-range forecast indicates a potential return of showers and thunderstorms next weekend, the timing and intensity of the rainfall remain uncertain. Forecasters currently assess the potential for severe weather as low. The main concern for the coming week remains the elevated fire risk due to the dry conditions. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local fire weather warnings and advisories.

The Ami Cemetery Committee is requesting donations from the community to help with the ongoing upkeep and mowing of the Ami Cemetery, located on Jamestown Road in Menlo. The committee emphasizes the importance of maintaining a respectful and well-cared-for environment for the final resting place of loved ones. In addition to requesting financial assistance, the committee is also asking visitors to refrain from using glass containers for flowers or any other purpose within the cemetery grounds. This request comes as a result of safety concerns and damage caused by broken glass. Furthermore, recent inclement weather and strong winds have resulted in flowers and other tributes being displaced from graves. The committee urges families to check their respective plots and ensure that items are either returned to their proper place or disposed of in the designated trash receptacles. Those wishing to make donations can send them to:  Sue Gilley P.O. Box 25 Menlo, GA 30731

Blood Assurance is experiencing a critical blood shortage, with only a half-day supply of several blood types available. Donations have decreased while hospitals are seeing a rise in blood demand, highlighting the urgent need for donors. Garry Allison, Sr. Vice President of Operations at Blood Assurance, stressed the importance of immediate donations for patients needing transfusions. Blood Assurance serves local hospitals, and one donation can save up to three lives. To motivate donors, incentives include a chance to win a $500 e-gift card and $25 e-gift cards for O-negative and AB plasma donors. To donate, visit www. bloodassurance.org/donate, call 800-962-0628, or text BAGIVE to 999777. Eligibility requires donors to be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in good health.

Chattooga County Sheriffs Deputies responded to a call at 1071 Back Berryton Road in Summerville. The property owner, Buddy Shadrick, informed deputies that Wayne Roan had been temporarily living in a barn on his property. Shadrick discovered that Roan had missed court and might have an active warrant. After confirming Roan had a felony warrant for failure to appear, Shadrick allowed deputies to search the barn. When they arrived, deputies found Roan near a tent and ordered him to lie on the ground, which he did. A deputy noticed a wooden nightstand with a butane torch and a plastic bag containing a crystal-like substance next to Roan. After escorting Roan to the patrol unit, deputies searched the barn and found a plastic bag with suspected methamphetamine and a white paper towel with a glass smoking device imprint. Roan, who had been staying in the barn for about a week, was taken to the Chattooga County Jail. He faced charges for possession of methamphetamine and drug-related objects, in addition to the felony warrant.